So, considering how popular Air Max sneakers have become; it’s time we go down Air Max history! We’re taking you through the complete timeline of the design and development of the AM sneakers. Right from the start!
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AIR MAX HISTORY TIMELINE
1978
1978THE BREAKTHROUGH OF AIR TECHNOLOGY
Air Max history begins with the breakthrough of the Nike Air technology – the infamous Air bubble. It debuted in 1978 with the Nike Air Tailwind – the first sneaker with Air cushioning. Former NASA engineer, Frank Rudy, came up with the idea of adding air to a sneaker.
It first dropped in 1978 in an exclusive release for the Honolulu Marathon, restocking a year later. These were the first steps towards a long lineage of never-ending Nike sneakers and legendary technology!
Retail Price: $90
1987
1987NIKE AIR MAX 1
After that, almost a decade later, true Air Max history began with none other than the Nike Air Max 1. Sneaker designer, Tinker Hatfield, designed the first Nike with an open window in the soles. The design took inspiration from the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris. An industrial-looking building and a complete 20th-century architectural marvel!
The Nike Air Max 1 is still extremely popular to this day! And, rumor has it, they might actually be the new Nike Dunks of 2022. In other words, prepare for a Nike Air Max takeover! Read here for more.
Retail Price: $75
1989
1989NIKE AIR MAX LIGHT
The Nike Air Max LIGHT is, obviously, a much lighter version of the Nike Air Max. It had an updated and modified construction that made the model weigh much less. This was all due to the EVA foam in the midsole for lighter weight and a better feel!
Retail Price: NA
1990
1990NIKE AIR MAX 90
The Nike Air Max 90 is one of the most timeless classics in entire Air Max history! It had an entirely reworked construction and it is one of the most popular sneakers in the WORLD. Nike originally named them the Air Max 3, but that didn’t last long – thank God.
Retail Price: $110
1991
1991NIKE AIR CLASSIC BW
Another monumental part in Air Max history is the Classic BW – the one with the bigger Air window! This explains the BW in its name – yes, it stands for BIG WINDOW. Some of the most recent models of the BW also feature a full-length Air sole that looks. Something that we’ll later see in the AM97 models!
Retail Price: NA
1992
1992NIKE AIR MAX 180
Next, we’ve got the AM 180 – the first with Air technology on the outsole. At this point, it was customary for AMs to have the Air units within their midsoles. But, these were different. It had a 180-degree visible Air unit – hence the name. A true testament to Nike’s innovative skills!
Retail Price: $130
1994
1994NIKE AIR MAX 94
Further down the Air Max history, we’ve got the AM94. It is one of the most unknown, overlooked, and underrated in the lineup. Only die-hard sneaker collectors know about this model. It is pretty much a mashup between AM Light and AM93.
Retail Price: $160
NIKE AIR MAX 2
The Nike Air Max 2 is one of those rare Nike sneakers that barely have any restocks! It was one of the last Air Max sneakers that Tinker Hatfield ever designed! With multiple Air chambers and different pressures for cushioning, it definitely was a head-turner!
Retail Price: $160
NIKE AIR MAX 2 LIGHT
Again! Just like they did with the Air Max 1, Nike created a lighter model of the Air Max 2 back in 1994! But, people liked it a lot more than the Nike Air Max 1 Light!
Retail Price: $160
1995
1995NIKE AIR MAX 95
The original NEON Air Max 95 is the iconic, impossible Air Max! It is one of the most iconic of all Air Max sneakers to date! It takes inspiration from human anatomy and is an Air Max that is NEVER in stock!
Retail Price: $140
1996
NIKE AIR MAX 96
The Air Max 96 is one of the chunkier sneakers of the Air Max. You know, she thiccc. It had barely any branding, layered uppers, and a ton of bulky soles.
Retail Price: $190
1997
1997 NIKE AIR MAX 97
Finally, we’ve reached the point in Air Max history with full-length Air cushioning. The Air Max 97 – designed by Christian Tressler – takes inspiration from ripples in a pond!
Retail Price: $150
1998
1998NIKE AIR MAX 98
Since we’re inching more and more towards the 2000s, it felt fitting for Nike to drop a 90s sneaker. It had mismatched designs, bold colors, and contrasting colorways. A very eye-catching and out-there release!
Retail Price: $150
NIKE AIR MAX PLUS
The Nike Air Max Plus was one of those sneakers in Air Max history that didn’t technically go as planned. It took inspiration from the palm trees, the sunset, and the sunny beaches of Miami. Definitely a tropical Air Max! BUT, ironically, it was more popular in London than anywhere else!
Retail Price: $160
1999
1999NIKE AIR MAX DELUXE
Also, other than your casual run-of-the-mill Air Max sneakers, Nike came out with a DELUXE version. The Nike Air Max deluxe took inspiration from European rave culture with an upper completely covered with digitally-printed neoprene!
Retail Price: $180
2003
2003NIKE AIR MAX 2003
Finally, we’ve reached the 2000s! The very first release in Air Max history was the Air Max 2003. It was a complete and vast change from the 90s AM sneakers with a more monochromatic, sleek, and toned-down silhouette.
Retail Price: NA
2006
2006NIKE AIR MAX 360
Also, another hit of the 00s is the performance-focused model Air Max 360. Obviously, from the name of it, it had a completely 360-degree Air unit. Visible from every angle! It was also extremely lightweight at less than 13 ounces!
Retail Price: $160
2017
2017NIKE VAPORMAX FLYKNIT
Furthermore, away from the OGs, the VaporMax Flyknits! These came 11 years after the release of the AM 360. Kathy Gomez designed them with the first standalone Air Unit. PLUS, flyknit uppers!
Retail Price: $190
2018
2018NIKE AIR MAX 270
Later in 2018, Nike decided to do a little TB to the 90s sneaker design and merge a little innovation. This resulted in the design of the AM270, a lifestyle sneaker with retro-futuristic vibes! A huge hit with the Gen Zs!
Retail Price: $150
2019
2019NIKE AIR MAX 720
Finally, the last sneaker in Air Max history – till now! The Air Max 720 is the most futuristic-looking AM sneaker with a bulky, thick Air unit! It has the biggest Air unit of all the AM sneakers on this list. And, it is probably one of the most innovative sneakers EVER!
Retail Price: $210